Many photographers debate the necessity of high-resolution cameras, especially when most images today are viewed on small screens. Yet, high megapixel counts offer practical advantages beyond mere sharpness or image quality.
Coming to you from Adrian Vila of aows, this insightful video examines why Vila chooses high-resolution cameras, despite intentionally degrading image quality in post-processing. Initially, Vila adopted a 42-megapixel Sony a7R II largely due to its affordability and compatibility with existing equipment rather than a pursuit of maximum resolution. However, over time, Vila discovered unexpected conveniences, such as cropping flexibility. Higher megapixels effectively extend the reach of lenses, turning a 28-200mm into something akin to a 28-300mm, or allowing a 35mm lens to serve as a flexible prime up to 50mm or beyond. Such versatility simplifies shooting by reducing the need to constantly switch lenses.
This video also highlights a personal artistic reason behind Vila's preference for high-resolution cameras. Vila favors square-format images, requiring significant cropping from standard rectangular sensors, resulting in substantial resolution loss. Starting from 61 megapixels provides ample resolution even after cropping, preserving image quality and allowing further adjustments. Additionally, Vila recommends shooting slightly wider in the field, providing room to refine framing in post-production, a strategy uniquely enabled by abundant megapixels. This subtle adjustment in shooting practice enhances creative flexibility and reduces the risk of composition regret.
Vila further addresses the practical advantages high-resolution sensors bring to hybrid photographers who also produce video content. Although dedicated video-centric cameras with lower megapixels might excel in low-light performance or video speed, Vila emphasizes a preference for versatility over specialization. Using the Sony a7 IV's 33-megapixel sensor, Vila comfortably shoots both high-quality stills and video without switching equipment. The sensor size and resolution enable effective use of APS-C lenses, providing a lightweight solution for achieving telephoto reach without cumbersome gear. The versatility extends into video as well, allowing Vila to shoot 4K content in cropped APS-C mode, enhancing focal flexibility.
Another practical insight Vila provides is about future-proofing your work. Despite current image consumption largely occurring on smartphones, evolving technologies like VR or AR could dramatically shift how audiences interact with images. High-resolution sensors offer insurance against future demands for larger, more detailed visuals, providing greater longevity and adaptability for your photography archive.
Vila acknowledges some downsides of high-resolution sensors, such as increased file sizes requiring larger storage solutions and more powerful computers for editing. Yet, for Vila's specific needs—particularly flexibility, cropping freedom, and hybrid photo-video production—these benefits clearly outweigh the drawbacks. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Vila.
Cropping is one thing but when I look at my R5 vs R8 pictures, the R5 ones look more crisp even on smaller screens.
Good Info about higher MP cameras but I would suggest the FE 24-240mm F5.6-6.3 OSS for in APS-C it is a in camera crop resulting in 36-360mm not that it is a 35-360mm but just the APS-C look. For me I went A7RM5 for yes the 61mm's but the "EYE AF" and different AF selections. I also like to photograph birds nesting and the little baby birds getting feed. One thing most all would not believe is the fact is the A7RM2,M4 and 5 can also do Bracketing 5 at +/- 2EV meaning no more tripod needed in run and capture sunsets/rises and even blue hour. The FE 24-240mm got bad reviews for not being sharp etc. I carry it in my every day carry bag as well as the APS-C E 10-18mm (15-17mm in 35mm) F4 OSS but can be used in Full Frame mode at 12mm-18mm (18mm if you remove the rear light shield) so I have in my bag 12mm to 360mm (sort of).
As a testament to the lens and the HI rate of AF capture of the A7RM5 I present these images captured with the FE 24-240mm in APS-C mode and further copped to this, it is what bird photographers do. Also I used Topaz Photo AI or Gigapixel to upsize to 61MP or larger. I was scouting to see if the rookery had started and with the A7RM5 + FE 24-240mm F5.6-6.3 OSS capturing hand held and tracking wider viewing somewhat to see what was going on. not till post did I see nest building twig in the beak. In the second image the Egret has only one foot down with the other still up.
With most all cameras get the most SD card you can afford or max out what is available.
I use the A7RM2 for back up with the 24-70mm. The A7RM2 has a plus function on it's dial and that is panorama that comes in handy for sunsets/rises without a panorama head.
Knowing your gear and learning helps one day.
Also the A7RM5 will do pixel shifting hand held for 241MP images have not tried yet!